The fight to save the Mitcham Cricket Green has been handed a big boost.

Last month plans to build a 70-bed hotel opposite the 333-year-old green were revealed to the public.

But it isn't the hotel itself that has members of the Mitcham Cricket Cub worried about its survival.

During the meeting, several times over it was said by a representative of Phoenix Investments Ltd (which owns the freehold of the pavilion, an unused nearby carpark and a Grade II listed pub)

that there would be no discussions regarding a lease or rent for the pavilion until planning permission for the site had been approved.

Because of this inability to secure a lease, members of the cricket club say they are unable to apply for funding.

But now in a show of solidarity, Merton politicians have united to back the cricket club's fight.

Merton councillors Stephen Alambritis (Labour leader), Oonagh Moulton (Conservative leader), Anthony Fairclough, (Liberal Democrats leader), Peter Southgate (Merton Park Independent Residents) leader, as well as Mitcham and Morden MP Siobhain McDonagh wrote in a statement that: "Merton is immensely proud of the 333 year tradition of playing cricket on the Green in Mitcham - the longest record for any ground in the world.

"We are aware of the difficulties faced by Mitcham Cricket Club due to the uncertain tenure of Mitcham cricket pavilion.

"The cricket pavilion is recognised as the first asset of community value in Merton.

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"We are also aware of the troubled recent history of the Burn Bullock site and of the development and restoration plans which have the potential to bring a lasting solution.

"As part of any development proposals for the site we are united in our desire to see the transfer of Mitcham cricket pavilion and all its operational land and buildings into community ownership and management through transfer of the freehold or provision of a 999 year lease at a peppercorn rent ahead of any new development."

Although there was no formal agreement, representatives from Phoenix did indicate at the June meeting that the groups could work together to solve the issue before planning approval was granted.

Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage Secretary Tony Burton was delighted by the all-party commitment.

"Local pride in the long traditions of cricket in Mitcham runs deep," he said.

"We are determined to secure the future of Mitcham Cricket Club through development that both meets the high standards of the conservation area and results in the cricket pavilion being run by the community."